NOARLUNGA RAIL LINE REVITALISATION

Ms FOX (Bright) (15:11): I am speaking today about the rail revitalisation program currently underway along the Noarlunga line, a line that I know is particularly dear to the member for Mawson's heart. The transformation of the Noarlunga line is part of a $2.6 billion investment, which will dramatically alter Adelaide's rail network.

Investment will see the installation of a state-of-the-art sustainable system which will provide faster, cleaner, more frequent and efficient services for commuters. I know that some of those opposite have knocked this project, but they have never really been that interested in the south of Adelaide anyway, so that is not much is of a surprise to me.

The Noarlunga train line is one of the key components of this investment. Electrification of the line will deliver a more modern and efficient train service. Aside from the economic benefits of converting from a diesel system, the environment impacts of switching to an electrified train system are well established.

Electrified trains are quieter, result in fewer vibrations and, most importantly, reduce local air pollution. They will be energy efficient, less reliant on imported fuels and not affected by increases in world oil prices. Furthermore, a faster, quieter and more efficient service will hopefully attract even more commuters to using the train service. This would result in fewer cars on the road, subsequently reducing pressure on our roads. Lastly, electrified trains are less expensive to buy, maintain and operate than diesel trains.

The first stage of the project has recently begun, with the closure of part of the Noarlunga line. I recognise that this is difficult, and this will be a difficult time for many commuters using this line, but we have to look at this in a long-term way. We are doing this to upgrade a service for the future, not just to convenience people now.

The recent closure of the line from Oaklands to Noarlunga is because we need to undertake a full track reconstruction upgrade of the base layer, installation of new sleepers—which I have been talking about for many years now, the member for Finniss will know that (I like talking about sleepers)—improvement of drainage and minor upgrades to stations and some level crossings.

We had to close the line from Oaklands to Noarlunga to allow work to be delivered in the safest and most efficient way. This method, which was also used in the recent Gawler line closure between Mawson Lakes and Adelaide, the Port Adelaide viaduct upgrade and Belair line renewal projects, will be successful in reducing the overall construction time. A reliable and consistent bus service will be provided. Every effort has been undertaken to reduce the impact on commuters.

The rail revitalisation project has thus far seen the upgrade of the Hallet Cove and Hallet Cove Beach train stations during 2010. These stations received new facilities aimed at improving travel for southern commuters. Both Hallet Cove and Hallet Cove Beach stations have improved lighting and CCTV systems to ensure the safety of commuters. Platform security will be increased by improved lighting and CCTV. Emergency phones will be available at a number of stations. The new railcars will feature security enhancements to existing CCTV, more cameras and a live feed to the driver's compartment.

As well as increased security at these stations, better access ramps and handrails have been installed. A new park-and-ride facility, which caters for an additional 120 vehicles, has been built at the Hallet Cove station. The Hallett Cove station also features an architecturally designed canopy and a realigned platform. As someone who uses that line, I applaud the design and aesthetics of the station, although I acknowledge that all appreciation of artistic form is subjective, and I am sure the Minister for Police agrees with me there.

The Hon. K.O. Foley: I do. Very subjective.

Ms FOX: The stations are an excellent example of the investment being directed into the southern suburbs and into our state's infrastructure. When the Noarlunga line is finalised, it will be extended out to Seaford and be completely electrified.

I thank Amanda Rishworth for that because the member for Kingston was key in getting hold of the funding that allowed that to happen, and it would not have happened without her. This investment by the South Australian government will ensure that we can cope with the demands of the growing southern suburbs.